Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Traumatic Brain Injury Fund
The Division of Disability Services (DDS) is the designated lead state government agency for brain injury. As such, the Division administers the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund and serves as staff to the Governor's NJ Advisory Council on Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund provides New Jersey residents of any age, who have survived a traumatic brain injury, the opportunity to access the brain injury related services and supports they need to live in the community.
The Fund purchases supports and services to foster independence and maximize quality of life when insurance, personal resources, and/or public programs are unavailable to meet those needs. A portion of the Fund also is used to support public education, outreach, and prevention activities related to TBI.
Eligibility
Fund recipients must:
- Provide medical documentation of brain injury
- Have liquid assets of less than $100,000
- Be a resident of New Jersey for at least 90 consecutive days
Definitions
Traumatic Brain Injury
To qualify for the Fund, an individual must have sustained a traumatic brain injury; defined as an injury to the brain caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury/neuro-trauma that disrupts the normal brain function, where continued impairment can be demonstrated. This definition does not include dysfunction caused by congenital or degenerative disorders, birth trauma, acquired brain injuries (stroke, aneurysm, etc.) or injuries caused by other circumstances.
Liquid Assets
Liquid assets include checking accounts, savings accounts, CDs, stocks and bonds. The Fund does not consider your primary home or your primary vehicle as "liquid assets," nor do we consider your IRA or 401k, unless you are of retirement age.
Services and Supports
The Fund will consider services and supports that are related to your brain injury. These may include but are not limited to:
• Home modifications
• Service coordination
• Assistive technology
• Cognitive therapy
• Neuropsychological services
• Pharmaceuticals
• Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapies
Application for the TBI Fund
You may download and print a TBI Fund application and the supporting medical documentation forms necessary for application using the links below or, if you need additional assistance, contact DDS at 1-888-285-3036 and request that they be mailed to you.
Upon receiving your completed application and supporting medical documentation, TBI Fund staff will assign a case manager who, together with you, will develop a support plan to assist in determining your needs. Your support plan will be reviewed by TBI Fund Staff and the Review Committee. You will then receive a letter from DDS notifying you of the decision.
TBI Fund Success Stories
Michelle shares her story of recovery and describes the impact the services and supports provided by our Traumatic Brain Injury Fund (TBI Fund) have had on her journey.
